Congress Defends 'Gungi Gudiya' Remark; Harshwardhan Sapkal Explains Stand, Urges Sunetra Pawar to Speak Out

Mumbai: Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has defended the party's controversial "Gungi Gudiya" (Silent Doll) remark aimed at Sunetra Pawar, saying the expression was intended to highlight her silence on key public issues rather than serve as a personal insult.

Speaking to the media while paying tribute to senior Congress leader and former Governor D. Y. Patil, who passed away at the age of 90 in Kolhapur, Sapkal described Patil as an outstanding educationist and a respected political figure. He said the veteran leader's death was a major loss for both Maharashtra and the Congress party and announced that the party would observe a three-day mourning period in his memory.

Addressing the controversy over the Congress' social media post, Sapkal said elected representatives have a responsibility to respond to questions from the media, especially when serious allegations arise. Referring to an incident in which, according to him, journalists were allegedly told to "keep quiet" in the presence of a Deputy Chief Minister, he argued that remaining silent in such circumstances was inconsistent with democratic values. He said the phrase "Gungi Gudiya" reflected what Congress believes is Sunetra Pawar's unwillingness to speak on important public matters.

Sapkal maintained that the term is descriptive rather than offensive. He questioned why Sunetra Pawar had not publicly commented on issues such as the controversy surrounding Ajit Pawar's accident, demands for legal action, or the allocation of the Finance Ministry. He further alleged that political pressure from the BJP was preventing her from expressing her views and said constitutional office-bearers should not remain silent on matters of public interest.

Drawing a historical parallel, Sapkal noted that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was once labeled "Gungi Gudiya" by her critics but later earned recognition as the "Iron Lady" through her leadership. He said Sunetra Pawar should similarly respond through decisive action rather than words. He suggested she take charge of the Finance Ministry, address farmers' loan waiver demands, resolve the smart meter issue, and ensure a report is made public regarding Ajit Pawar's accident.

Sapkal also launched a fresh attack on the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), alleging that its ministers were being overshadowed by Devendra Fadnavis and claiming the party had become politically dependent on the BJP. He further alleged that the Election Commission had raised concerns over appointments involving two members of the same family within the party's organizational structure.

Concluding his remarks, Sapkal advised Sunetra Pawar to take bold and independent decisions, saying meaningful action would carry greater weight than political protests.